Edu-ma-cation > Ephesians 4

Educational Ministry Implications: Ephesians 4:11-16

Exposition and Explanation of the Passage:

Paul, in addressing either the church at Ephesus or the Christians in the Ephesian and surrounding areas, is concerned with the divisive spirit that has been reported to him. He is excited to make clear what had been only mystery- the work that God had done to make Gentiles fellow heirs of His Promise. When Paul then addresses the form and function of the Church as a body, comprised of stronger and weaker members, or limbs, he feels it is necessary to clarify the manner in which the more knowledgeable should bring along the less enlightened. God has, through the distribution of spiritual, or grace gifts, and through beautiful variation in the histories and conversion stories of different Christians, prepared every individual for His work in assorted and equally important ways. Paul names several categories younger Christians might erroneously consider “more powerful,” or “more important to God” prior to Paul's explanation of the Christian body illustration. These positions are, plainly not by chance, all roles of educators. Even in the first century, educators were almost by default leaders.

Christ prepared and gave to the Church body apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers. Paul states this as if, in his physical body analogy, Christ gave eyes, ears, nose, shoulders, and so on. These were all given for the equipping, or preparation of the saints (all Christians). This preparation is for a specific work of service- the edification of the body of Christ. This purpose is to be carried out until the point of completion, when “we all attain to the unity of the faith,” and we all possess a full knowledge of the Son of God, and every Christian is considered a “mature man”. Surely, these are lofty aspirations. The point is clear that the work is never done.

Because God has installed this system of spiritual education, and in so doing made spiritual maturation feasible, Paul calls Christians to cease from existing as spiritual children. Children are easily deceived, swayed every which way by that which may please the senses. With God's educators fulfilling their roles, all Christians are actually commanded to progress toward maturity, speaking the truth in love. The purpose of this commanded learning is, non-coincidentally, identical to the point of the teaching mentioned earlier- the building up of the body, in love.

Possible implications and applications to the educational ministry of a local church:

Paul, in his inspired writings, declares that educators have been give to the church. He does not indicate that all of the categories mentioned exist in every individual congregation but it is evident that the church as a whole includes many types of intelligible and able Christians with a capacity to teach. This leaves no church with an excuse- if education is not taking place within the church (and I am not specifying in a church building, but between its members) there can be no excuse, because God has already installed His system and provided capable teachers.

This passage specifies the goal of spiritual education- the building up of the body of Christ. As a result of this being accomplished, the entire body will mature toward Christ likeness in spiritual maturity and love. The body will also gain a better understanding of Christ's person and work.

Paul never indicates any required methodology, but he does, as previously mentioned, indicate the goals of education within the church. Should not every church congregation design their purpose statements in accord with those provided by the Holy Spirit here? Paul does not indicate the setting of this education, but he samples who might be doing the primary teaching- those roles mentioned in verse 11. This list may not be comprehensive, but it is an excellent place to start. Paul does not indicate what is taught, but he lists the results of the application of the material. Thus we may as Christian educators work backwards to discern our curriculum. If Paul says our students are to become more knowledgeable in the person and character and work of Christ, we may find it helpful to teach concerning Christ's person and character and work. If our students are to become more loving, let us teach concerning love, perhaps with Christ's example.

Paul never indicates who is to be taught by whom except in stating that the entire body is called to learn and grow towards unity, thus our edifying education must be to the entire body. All Christians are called to learn, and thus all Christians are commanded to take part int the process of Christian education.

Personal Implications:

I am especially encouraged and challenged personally because the occupation I feel God has called be to pursue is listed in the roles of primary educators. Thus I am called to fulfill the educational work of the unification of the body. To teach these things, I feel I must be more adept in them myself. Thus I fulfill the role of learner and teacher, even presently.

I am encouraged by the lack of restriction on context of education. I feel more adequate in education in various situations rather than behind a pulpit alone.

I am especially encouraged in Paul's provision of content for Christian education- I am spurred on to learn in the same areas we are to teach each other. I love the body of Christ, so how can I not encourage that same body toward unity? I love Christ my savior and friend, so how can I not express the beauty of His person to all those I meet? Quite plainly, Paul has described Christian education on a manner that makes it both easy and exciting. All involved are blessed, and Christ is honored throughout the process by all parties!